The sensational youngster Man United failed to sign – could he cost them the Champions League?

Sir Alex Ferguson was a very interested spectator of Real Madrid's latest clash with Barcelona earlier this week, and not just because Manchester United face Jose Mourinho's men in the Champions League last 16. The Scottish manager would have been very familiar with the 19-year-old defender making his El Clasico debut, and no doubt watched young Frenchman Raphael Varane's star turn with a tinge of regret.

Varane put in a man of the match display, outrunning Barcelona star Jordi Alba, making precise last ditch tackles against Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas and heading home the leveller for his side in a 1-1 draw. The youngster could now be in contention to play against Manchester United in the Champions League, which will be something of a bitter pill for the Red Devils considering he could have been wearing United colours.

Prior to leaving Lens, Varane was scouted by Manchester United and was reportedly on the verge of signing for them when Real Madrid swooped at the last minute to bring him to the Bernabeu. Could he come back to haunt the Old Trafford club? talkSPORT have more on the youngster...

1) Born in Lille, Varane was discovered as a precocious nine-year-old by French club Lens, who incorporated him into their youth academy. He was noted for his maturity as a footballer at an early age, and in 2010 was offered his first professional deal at the age of 17.

2) Varane made his Lens debut against Montpellier in November 2010 and managed to tame Olivier Giroud in a 2-0 victory for his side. In January 2011, Lens extended his contract by two years, conscious of the already growing interest in their young star. He soon scored his first professional goal against Caen on in May 2011 and followed it up two days later with a goal against Monaco.

3) Lens were relegated at the end of the 2010/11 season and, inevitably, big clubs came calling for Varane. Despite good progress on a deal between Manchester United and the player, Real Madrid moved quickly to seal his signature, with Zinedine Zidane personally convincing him it was the right move. Madrid are believed to have paid around €10m to bring him to the Bernabeu.

4) Jose Mourinho has used Varane sporadically during his time at Real Madrid, despite pressure from Real Madrid fans, who have lauded the young defender for his displays whenever he has been given a first team opportunity. He scored his first goal for the club with a spectacular back heel against Rayo Vallecano in September 2011.

5) Varane's El Clasico debut earned him praise from the likes of Gerard Pique and Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka. The defender's combination of searing pace, excellent positional awareness, good decision making and passing ability have led to claims that he could be one of the best defenders in the world in the near future. Though yet to make his senior France debut, Didier Deschamps has called him up for the forthcoming friendly between France and Germany.